Bear Flag Robotics, a US startup manufacturing command-controlled autonomous tractors, has been acquired for USD 250 million by John Deere.

John Deere began working with Bear Flag in 2019 through its “Startup Collaborator'' program which allowed the tractor giant to explore technology that could be a value-add to its own customers. The Bear Flag acquisition comes as John Deere looks to strengthen its robotic and drones technology. 

Prior to Bear Flag, John Deere’s latest major acquisition was Blue River Technologies, also a robotics company, which it acquired for USD 305 million in 2017. According to John Deere, acquiring Bear Flag is in line with their long-term strategy to develop smart machines and increase automation in the farming process. For Bear Flag, the acquisition will provide them with the necessary financial support and resources to develop their technology further and continue to grow in the nascent agricultural robotic space.  

Post-acquisition, Bear Flag’s operations will remain in Bay Area, but it will work closely with John Deere to expand services globally. 

Founded in 2017, Bear Flag develops autonomous farming technology via its autonomous tractors, an idea which was picked at Y Combinator’s Winter Demo Event. Bear Flag’s technology allows growers to manage a fleet of agricultural vehicles via a smartphone and tablet. According to the company, deploying four Bear Flag tractors at a 2,000-acre farm, reported a 10% increase in profit each year.